Biden diagnosed with Covid after saying he'd step down if 'medical condition emerged'

Biden tests positive for Covid while campaigning in Vegas, ITV News Reporter Graham Stothard reports

Joe Biden has been diagnosed with Covid on the same day an interview aired where he said he would stand down from office if a "medical condition emerged".

In a statement on Wednesday, the White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre said: "Earlier today following his first event in Las Vegas, President Biden tested positive for COVID-19.

"He is vaccinated and boosted and he is experiencing mild symptoms."

The White House has confirmed he will self-isolate at his house in Rehoboth, Delaware, but added the president would still carry out his full duties.

It comes after Biden spoke with BET news organisation, for an interview which aired on Wednesday night, about the factors which might cause him to reevaluate his candidacy.

“If I had some medical condition that emerged,” Biden said. “If doctors came to me and said, ‘you got this problem, that problem.’"

It is not clear when the interview was filmed.

Biden has repeatedly said he intends to stay in the presidential election race despite concerns over his health and age. Credit: AP

Following his Covid diagnosis, Biden's doctor also issued medical notes on his condition, including upper respiratory symptoms, a runny nose and a 'non-productive' cough.

"He felt okay for his first event of the day, but given that he was not feeling better, point of care testing for COVID-19 was conducted," his doctor said.

"His symptoms remain mild, his respiratory rate is normal at 16, and his temperature is normal at 97.8."

The doctor confirmed the president had received his first dose of Paxlovid - which is used to stop the virus that causes COVID-19 from growing and spreading .

At 81-years-old Biden has been under intense pressure in recent weeks to suspend his candidacy in the upcoming US election.

After Biden struggled through a debate with Donald Trump at the end of June doubts over his mental capability to carry out the role have intensified.

What are the Democrats saying?

Democrats worried about Biden's ability to win this November are making a renewed push for him to reconsider his reelection bid amid the ongoing health concerns.

Over the past week, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries have spoken privately to the president.

On Wednesday, California Representative Adam Schiff, a close ally of Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, became the highest-profile House Democrat to call for Biden to drop his reelection bid, saying that while the decision is Biden's alone to make, he believes it's time to “pass the torch.”

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